repaired · 2026 Q3
Engine: hard parts internal/mechanical
Risk. Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.
2021 GMC YukonProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 349 owner complaints about the 2021 GMC Yukon, most often about the engine. It is covered by 13 safety recalls, and for recall 24V-797 the manufacturer reports only 78% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 9, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2021 GMC Yukon has problems
349 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
191Engine
55Power train
45Fuel/propulsion system
33Engine and engine cooling
31Electrical system2 crash/fire/injury
19Forward collision avoidance
18Air bags
12Fuel system, gasoline
11Steering
5416 other systems2 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 191 | 0 |
| Power train | 55 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 45 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 33 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 31 | 2 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 19 | 2 |
| Air bags | 18 | 7 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 12 | 0 |
| Steering | 11 | 2 |
| 16 other systems | 54 | 2 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
13 recalls
2021 GMC Yukon recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2026 Q3
Control module: software
Risk. Rear wheel lock-up can increase the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2024 Q3
Lighting control module: software
Risk. Daytime Running Lights that do not deactivate as intended may cause a glare, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2024 Q3
Seat belts: critical fasteners
Risk. A seat belt with a deformed rivet may not properly restrain an occupant, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Show 9 more recalls
repaired · 2023 Q4
Driveline: driveshaft
Risk. Driveshaft failure can cause a sudden loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2023 Q3
Fuel pump: control/drive module
Risk. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2022 Q2
Control module: software
Risk. Overall braking performance may be compromised, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2023 Q2
Steering: steering control module
Risk. Increased steering effort, particularly at lower speeds, increases the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2023 Q2
Air bags: SRS malfunction warning lamp/light
Risk. The air bag malfunction indicator light may fail to warn the driver of a problem with the air bag, increasing the risk of injury.
repaired · 2023 Q1
Seat belts
Risk. A damaged seat belt can break during a crash, increasing the risk of injury to the occupant.
repaired · 2022 Q4
Storage: tank assembly
Risk. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
repaired · 2022 Q4
Seat belts
Risk. If a seat belt assembly is not properly attached to the vehicle, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the…
repaired · 2022 Q3
Seats
Risk. If an occupied front seat has loose or missing attachment bolts, it may move during a crash, increasing the risk of injury to the seated occupant.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with GMC.
Mileage at failure
When do engine problems start?
74kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 22 engine complaints. 77% were reported before 100,000 miles.
Only 21% of complaints for this model year include a mileage.
6under 30k miles17under 100k miles5100k miles or more
Owner-reported costs
What owners say repairs cost
Dollar amounts owners wrote in their complaints when describing a repair or a quote. These are not price estimates; a system is shown only when at least 8 owners mentioned a cost.
Engine
9 owners mentioned a cost$8,000median
Middle half: $6,000 – $10,000
If a problem is covered by a recall, the dealer fixes it for free. Some manufacturers also reimburse owners who paid for a repair before a recall was announced.
Best & worst years
2021 vs. every other Yukon year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Yukon median. How we score
'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26'27
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2021 GMC Yukon safety ratings
2021 GMC Yukon SUV 4WD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★Overall rating
- Rollover: 3 stars (21.9% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Standard
- Lane departure warning: Optional
5 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2021 GMC Yukon, and the recalls they led to.
- Loss of motive power due to engine failureOpen
- Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedyOpen
- Air Bag MalfunctionNo recall
- Loss of motive power due to engine failureLed to recall 25V-274
- Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedyNo recall
In owners' words
What Yukon owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
On XXX, at [XXX], my vehicle’s engine locked up, causing the vehicle to shut off while I was driving at 65 mph on a two-way highway. The vehicle could not be safely driven. My family and I were stranded on the side of the road, where semi trucks passing at highway speeds forced us to remain in the…
As I was driving down the road at 60mph, no dash lights or warnings were present. All of a sudden, my 2021 yukon lost all power and I nearly crashed as I was in heavy, fast paced traffic. I got to the side of the road, and it was at this time the engine light came on. Car died and wouldnt start…
crank/rod failure on 6.2 engine. yes it is available same as other people with blown 6.2s yes, GMC dealer diagnosed crank failure no no. engine still runs but is knocking and squealing but dies after a few mins and won't restart till it cools off
Own a 2021 Yukon?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.